The car was originally ordered as a municipality vehicle for a city in Aichi Prefecture. The city used it for visiting officials from 1984-2011. In 2011, the car went up for auction and sat for months until a DoD employee here in Misawa made an offer. After some negotiating, he was able to get the vehicle for cheaper than expected and planned on adding it to his collection of automobiles stateside. Unfortunately, he ran into some issues and was considering selling the car. Ironically, when he was trying to decide to keep/sell the car, I happened to see him parking one day and had the usual car talk. I had no intentions to own such a car but just out of the spontaneous idea of "I've never owned something like this," I asked him if he was planning on selling it. This was October 2012. After months of emails and phone calls, he finally let me purchase the car May 17th for an astoundingly low price. Here are a few specs:

I have already added a few of my personal touches but have a few more plans. So far:Espilar lowering springs (approximately 2" drop)Junction Produce taillightsJunction Produce fender indicator lensesRemoved the seat covers

Thanks everyone. I've been searching for a steering boss kit but can't seem to find one for the VG40 model Century. I'm also attempting to find a set of Junction Produce front bumper turn signal lenses to match the taillights and side markers but apparently they're made from unobtainium. She just rolled 18,000 km today and I have loved every minute behind the wheel!

hi im raypul very nice toy i didnt know they existed untill some time ago.i wonder if you could help since youre living in japan.i need to buy a power steering box for my 1973 toyota corona mk11 mx22 maybe you know a scrapyard or a breaker from where i can buy. cheers raypul

Thank you all. Yesterday, she rolled 20,000 km. Not too bad for a 30 year old car.

Raypul, unfortunately, I don't have the time to search for parts. However, if you find something on Yahoo auctions or any other Japanese site, you can forward me a link and I can see what I can do.

Quick Update: I haven't done much to the Century in a while. Just driving, enjoying, and taking care of a few minor maintenance issues while I'm still in Japan. In six months, I'm headed back to California with the Century and my plans are to put it on air. Hopefully, she'll be ready for Toyotafest 2015!